Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Alexandria, VA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Most homeowners have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires more advanced skills. A large project might require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as irrigation systems and fire pits need additional construction and machinery expertise.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) landscaping is good for smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants. However, you should hire a professional landscaping contractor if you’re completing a yard overhaul or don’t have basic lawn expertise.

Hiring a landscape architect or designer helps you avoid costly mistakes. These professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor living space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a plan for long-term maintenance.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Alexandria Landscaping Company

Look for a landscaper that offers the services you need within your budget. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Know what services you need before selecting a company. Some companies provide lawn care services that focus on yard health and maintenance. These services might include fertilizing, controlling weeds, pruning, mulching, and mowing. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.

Plan to hire a full-service landscaper if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your whole yard. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some even provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscapers have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the Alexandria city government. The company may have the following certified staff members:

• Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
• Licensed arborists
• Licensed horticulture specialists
• Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects

It might also have certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Although these certifications aren’t mandatory, they’re an added bonus. Your landscaper should be fully insured and bonded. Contractors typically have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury. Request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

We suggest checking third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to gauge a provider's reputation and customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of delayed projects, unreliable customer service, or poor project results. Try to find a company with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies have before and after photos of previously completed projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability practices might include eco-friendly material options, water conservation, and waste management, and they're an important consideration when hiring a landscaper. Landscaping work done on your property shouldn't impact your current vegetation. Additionally, your landscaper should choose native plants, such as trumpet honeysuckle, climbing aster, and narrowleaf sunflower. Ask about sustainability practices for projects like yours, and get recommendations for ways to reduce maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

You should request quotes from multiple companies to learn about services and pricing. Most companies provide free consultations to review your outdoor space, make recommendations, and review project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote of expected project costs, including materials and labor. You can use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Alexandria

Landscaping in Alexandria generally costs between $31 and $47 per hour. These figures depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a large yard, companies may charge by the acre. Larger projects necessitate more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below breaks down the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,544 - $18,058
Landscaping Design	$2,359 - $3,146
Landscaping LandGrading	$440 - $2,639
Landscaping Mulch	$26 - $132
Planting FlowerBeds	$88 - $1,759
Planting Trees	$230 - $384
Sodding	$44 - $53
Swimming Pool	$33,426 - $87,962